Laurie Schacht, The Toy Insider Mom, visited The Today Show to showcase toys made in America.
Archive for the ‘Press’ Category
The Toy Insider Mom on The Today Show 07/06/12
Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
More Last Minute Gift Ideas with ABC News
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011Toy Insider On FOX Dallas
Monday, December 19th, 2011Toy Inisder on CBS Atlanta
Monday, December 12th, 2011Good Day NY & Toy Insider Mom Talk Holiday Toys
Monday, December 5th, 2011Toy Insider Mom Talks Toys In Washington
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011Back To School at The Today Show!
Friday, September 16th, 2011
Learning doesn’t end in the classroom. No matter what age your child is, they can develop skills and a love for learning through play and educational toys.
This mrning, Toy Insider Mom, Laurie Schacht visited Kathy Lee and Hoda to talk about some of her new favorites!
Cookie Monsers Find and Learn Number Blocks
by Playskool
- Learn about letters, the alphabet and counting!
Ages 2+
MSRP $29.99
School Bus & Take Along School
by Playmobil
- Spark imagination through role play.
Ages: 4+
MSRP:$19.99 & $29.99
Rose Art Make It Mine! Kits
by Mega Brands
- Let kids’ imaginations run wild by giving them a fun way to decorate their school gear this year.
Ages: 3+
MSRP: $3.00/ea
Rose Art Smart Tabletop Easel
by Mega Brands
- Set your art studio anywhere with this compact, portable and lightweight art easel
Ages: 8+
MSRP: $21.99
by LeapFrog
-Compatible with more than 100 cartridge games, apps, digital books and videos, this tablet is just like Mom & Dad’s.
Ages: 4+
MSRP: $99.99
Tag Solar System Adventure Pack
by LeapFrog
- Play more than 40 activities and family friendly games with this 2-in-1 3 foot map!
Ages: 4-8yrs
MSRP: $13.99
by Thames and Kosmos
-Assemble ten models demonstrating different ways in which the motors can be used including a bulldozer, cars, cranes, robotic arms and more!
Ages: 8+
MSRP: $69.99
Perplexus Epic
by PlaSmart
- In this 3-dimensional maze game, players maneuver a small marble around more than 125 challenging barriers inside a large size transparent sphere.
Age: 8+
MSRP: $29.99
Scientific Explorer Disgusting Special Effects Make-up Kit
by Giddy Up
-Fun activities help kids learn all about the movie tricks, but while learning the “science” behind scabs, cuts, bruises and how your body helps protect you.
Ages: 9+
MSRP: $19.99
SmartGlobe
by Oregon Scientific
-Includes 30 learning activities in multiple subjects; SmartPen with built in speaker; pull out, touch sensitive, domestic map for additional learning; and a 24-page interactive book with information on animals, food and landmarks.
Age: 8+
MSRP: $159
Toy Insider Mom Brings Summer Play To Today
Thursday, July 21st, 2011
Our Toy Insider Mom, Laurie Schacht visited the Today Show with Hoda and Kathy Lee to give them the scoop on some of this seasons great out door toys!
Check out the clip and all toy info below, you may find just what the doctor ordered for a hot day of play like today!
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Graffiti
Scooter
(Razor)
Ages
6+
MSRP:
$59.99
• Colorful
lines ,
squiggly
twists,
crazy
designs
• Features
an
adjustable‐height
folding
handlebar,
patented
rear
fender
brake
and
smooth‐rolling
urethane
wheels
____________________________________________________________________________
Lazer
Stunt
Chasers
(Thinkway
Toys)
Ages
4+
MSRP:
Under
$45
• Perform
mind
boggling
flips
and
stunts
or
race
them!
• Chase
after
the
light
projected
from
the
remote
with
amazing
speed,
agility
and
control
using
new
patented
technology
in
light
control
• Adjust
the
speed
with
the
trigger,
hit
the
turbo
button
form
maximum
power
or
use
the
left/right
buttons
for
tight
turns
and
maneuvering
• Race
the
Chaser
on to
the
curved
ramp
included
and
they’ll
flip
over
and
keep
on
going
• Each
set
includes
Lazer
Stunt
Chaser
car,
with
built
-in
rechargeable
battery,
battery
deck
charger,
wireless
remote,
stunt
ramp
and
instruction
guide.
(Batteries
for
charger
and
remote
not
included).
____________________________________________________________________________
Backyard
Safari
Outfitters
(Summit
Toy)
Ages
5+
MSRP:
$
14.99—39.99
each
• Base
Camp
Field
Shelter
–
large
enough
for
several
kids
to
set
up
camp,
complete
with
storage
for
all
their
gear
• Camouflage
Netting
–
helps
kids
hide
in
plain
sight
• Lazer
Light
Bug
Vacuum
–
kids
can
capture
bugs,
identify
specimens,
and
look
at
them
up
close
using
the
built‐in
magnifying
glass
• Bird
Watcher’s
Field
Kit
–
includes
binoculars,
tripod
and
three
different
bird
callers
• Butterfly
Habitat
–
the
perfect
environment
for
raising
butterflies;
includes
a
mail‐in
coupon
to
receive
live
caterpillars
and
their
food
• Expedition
Two
–
includes
a
sturdy
hiking
stick
and
special
missions
to
complete
out
on
the
trail
____________________________________________________________________________
Lemonade
Stand
(ALEX
Toys)
Ages
3+
MSRP:
$139.99
• Chalkboard
front
panel
perfect
for
listing
the
day’s
specials
• Oversized
wheels
and
handle
for
easy
movement
• Includes
pitcher
and
four
cups
____________________________________________________________________________
Smash
Stix
(Wild
Planet)
Ages
8+
MSRP:
$29.99
• Soft
foam
batons
with
electronic
score
pad
• Sound
effects
let
you
know
when
you’ve
been
hit
• Game
automatically
declares
winner
after
10
hits
are
registered
against
one
player
____________________________________________________________________________
Nerf
Dart
Tag
Swarmfire Blaster
(Hasbro)
Ages
8+
MSRP:
$29.99;
Jersey
MSRP:
$15.99
• Players
can
launch
a
powerful
stream
of
up
to
20
darts,
keeping
opposing
teams
at
bay
• Competition
jerseys
are
available
in
orange
or
blue,
featuring
target
panels
on
the
front,
back,
and
sleeves,
as
well
as
mesh
side
panels
to
keep
teams
cool
in
the
heat
of
battle
____________________________________________________________________________
Sunny
Patch
Sand
Play
Sets
(Melissa
&
Doug)
Ages
3+
MSRP:
$14.99
each
• Kids
can
make
delicious
pretend
desserts
at
the
beach
or
in
the
sand box
with
these
Sunny
Patch
sand
play
sets
____________________________________________________________________________
Naturally
Playful®
Little
Dunes
Sandbox
(Step
2)
Ages
2+
MSRP:
$49.99
• Design
and
modern
styling
blends
in
with
traditional
landscapes
in
residential
outdoor
living
areas
• Molded‐in
seats
on
either
side
give
kids
a
place
to
sit
while
playing
• Holds
up
to
150
lbs
(68
kg)
of
sand
(sand
not
included)
• Included
colorful
lid
products
sand
from
weather
and
pets
• 8.5”
H
x
45.00”
x
W
x
29.25”
D
____________________________________________________________________________
Nerf
Super
Soaker
Thunderstorm
(Hasbro)
Ages
6+
MSRP:
$14.99
• Fully
automatic
for
maximum
speed
• Send
soaking
streams
up
to
25
feet
away!
• Requires
4
“AA”
batteries
(not
included)
____________________________________________________________________________
KAOS Nemesis
(Imperial
Toy)
Ages
8+
MSRP:
$
14.99
• KAOS
brings
out
the
insane
fun
of
an
extreme
water
balloon
fight
• Allows
users
to throw
a
water
balloon
over
100
feet
____________________________________________________________________________
Play
Up
Teeter
Totter
(Step
2)
Ages
3+
MSRP:
$49.99
• Two
side‐contoured
seats
• Easy
grip
handles
• Wipes
clean
easily
• Limit
2
children;
maximum
weight
limit:
162
lbs
• 14.5”
H
x
47.75”
W
x
15.25”
D
Even More Summer Fun with The Toy Insider Mom
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011
Seaside Beach Mat (Pacific Playtents)
• Great to take along to the beach, lake, backyard or park
• Water resistant and easy to wipe clean
• Mat is easy to transport and fun to eat and play on
Ages 3+
MSRP: $24.99
Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket (LeapFrog)
• Combines imaginative picnic play with learning and sharing
• Kids pretend to pack a meal and go on a picnic with friends and family and learn about shapes, colors, and manners
• Helps develop motor skills as kids empty and fill the basket, stack the cups and match the foods into the plate by shape
Ages: 6 months+
MSRP: $ 21.99
Pool with Water Slide (Playmobil)
• Kids will have fun role playing with this
summertime play set indoors and outdoors
• Kids can let their Playmobil figures go for a
refreshing swim in this pool that can be filled
with real water
• Features a water slide and functioning shower
• Includes six figures and many other summer
accessories
• Ages 4+
• MSRP: $39.99
John Deere Power Trimmer and Clipper (Learning Curve)
• Young John Deere fans can help with the yardwork with this
unique and realistic weed trimmer
• Brightly-colored, tough plastic construction provides for safe
handling
• No batteries needed! Power the motor by pulling on the
retractable cord and press the button for real weed trimming
action
• Ages 18mos+
• MSRP: $19.99 (each sold separately)
Fisher-Price Little Mommy Bubble Wagon (Tolly Tots)
• Pulling baby in a wagon sure is fun – especially when there’s
bubbles involved!
• Kids simply pull this wagon along, and a trail of playful bubbles
follows them wherever they go
• Kids can fill the wagon with toys, books or strap in a favorite doll
with the secure seatbelt.
• Designed for dolls up to 16 inches (not included).
• Bubble solution is included
• Ages 3+
• MSRP: $24.99
Tidoo Lutin Bright (Corolle)
• Designed for bath-time and pool-time fun, this sweet 12″ baby
doll is soft, posable and so light it floats
• Tidoo’s vinyl limbs and face have a mild vanilla scent that
children love, and its eyes open and close so Tidoo can take a
nap — just like a real baby
• Ages 18mos+
• MSRP: $40
Bubble Wand Kit (Artterro)
• Bend high quality copper wire with marbles into two beautiful, sturdy wands.
• Blow huge bubbles, decorate a garden or use for magic!
• Includes recipe for homemade bubbles.
Ages 8+
MSRP: $19.95
Freeze Ball (Wild Planet)
• Soft colorful six sided ball and six number shaped wristbands
• Active game of colors, numbers, running, and reflexes
• Divide up the bands, put them on and the first player tosses the ball into the air while everyone scatters
• The player with the matching band picks up ball and yells freeze!
• Players then keep feet planted and try to catch the ball if thrown at them or duck away
• If a player catches the ball, the one who threw it gives the catcher a wristband..if a player is hit, they have to give up the wristband
Ages: 6+
MSRP: $ 12.99
Fun Go Play Sports Gear
• FunGoPlay is a fun, new online sports theme park that
rewards kids for real world active play
• Every time kids play with their real world sports gear—soccer
ball or flying disc to start—their playtime is tracked and they
are rewarded with extra medals, points and other cool stuff in
the online world
• The more kids play offline the more rewards they get online
• Ages 6+
• MSRP: $47.95 for Yearly Subscription and FunGoPlay Sports
Gear (choice of soccer ball or flying disc); additional sports
gear sold separately
OgoDisk 15-inch Mezo (Ogosport)
• Throw, catch, and bounce balls with these hand trampolines!
• Throw and catch like a flying disk or adapt to team sports like volleyball, baseball and tennis
• Great with water balloons and even floats
• Play alone or with many people
Ages: 3+
MSRP: $33.00
Baja Beast (Maisto)
• Unleash the beast with this awesome, hobby grade radio control 4×4 off road that handles like a champ
• Large pro-style controller for great control, and 3 kids can be playing at the same time
• Extra long range (165 feet)
• Lightweight body
Adges: 8+
MSRP: $ 50.00
Today Show Gets A Sneak Peek at Toy Fair 2011
Tuesday, February 8th, 2011Toy Fair is less than a week away! We can hardly wait to check out all of the fantastic toys hitting shelves this year.
This morning, our Toy Insider Mom, Laurie Schacht visited The Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda to give a sneak peek into what this year’s show has in store.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Lite Sprites (WowWee)
It begins with an all powerful Lite Wand that can magically capture
color and light from any flat surface and cast color spells onto the
Sprites and playsets of Lite-Topia, while emitting enchanting sounds
This unique play pattern empowers a girl to color her play world in
whatever way she chooses.
Includes 3 interactive games: Color Hunt, Color Mix, and Memory
The Sprite Sisterhood includes four Sprites: Prisma, Astra, Meadow and
Brooke. Bleak, the naughty one, rejects color and uses her powers to
eliminate and disrupt the color of Lite-Topia.
Each Sprite comes with a Lite Pod.
Ages 4+
Lite Wand and Prisma and Pod: MSRP: $29.99; Tree of Lite: $39.99; Deluxe
playsets: $19.99
Fall 2011
Lite Sprites by WowWee (Fall 2011)
An all powerful Lite Wand magically captures color and light from any flat surface and cast color spells onto the Sprites and playsets of Lite-Topia, while emitting enchanting sounds.
Each Sprite comes with a Lite Pod. Includes 3 interactive games: Color Hunt, Color Mix, and Memory
The Sprite Sisterhood includes four Sprites: Prisma, Astra, Meadow and Brooke.
Bleak, the naughty one, rejects color and uses her powers to eliminate and disrupt the color of Lite-Topia.
Ages 4+
Lite Wand and Prisma and Pod: MSRP: $29.99; Tree of Lite: $39.99; Deluxe playsets: $19.99
Tetris® Link™ by Techno Source (Fall 2011)
Tetris is the most recognized video game brand in the world—Now, fans can experience the Tetris effect with Tetris Link, a new tabletop strategy game that the whole family can play together
In Tetris Link, players battle to score the most points by linking colored Tetriminos, the iconic Tetris playing pieces, into an upright game tower while attempting to block competitors from linking their game pieces.
For 2 to 4 players.
MSRP: $19.99
Secret Agent Headquarters with Alarm System by Playmobil (Fall 2011)
Playmobil is introducing a whole new line of Secret Agent playsets The well-disguised Secret Agent Headquarters contains covert features, such as a trapdoor leading to the jail, a jet ski hiding place for an emergency escape, and a secret command center with LED board. The set comes with five figures, including a double agent with a changeable face.
Another exciting feature is the functional alarm system that can be placed in rooms at home to warn off “intruders”
Ages 7+/ MSRP: $89.99
Bizu by Spin Master (Fall 2011)
Bizu is a Twist on Beads allows girls to create and magically
transform their accessories. Make bracelets, charms, and necklaces any way you want. Give the jewelry a twist and create cute, posable, and lovable characters.With the Bizu Style Studio you can sort, dispense, and style all of your Bizu characters! Comes with 4 ultra-rare characters. Create 4 stylish bracelets, link 3 together to make a necklace, or start a backpack and cell phone accessory trend.
Ages 6+/ MSRP: $19.99
Justin Bieber Rockin’ Tour Bus and Concert Stage by The Bridge Direct (Fall 2011)
Justin’s fans can recreate their favorite concert experience at home with the new Rockin’ Tour Bus, which opens up to reveal a rockin’ concert stage with lights and cool sound effects! There’s also a special port for connecting mp3 players or laptops, so that all your favorite digital music can be part of the show!
Ages 6+ / MSRP: $79.99
JB Real Hairstyle Doll by The Bridge Direct (Fall 2011)
It’s the doll that all Justin Bieber fans have been waiting for – the JB Signature Hairstyle Doll has soft and styled hair that replicates Justin’s signature “swoosh” hairstyle! Each Hairstyle Doll also comes with several cool accessories such as a skateboard, backpack or sunglasses.
Ages 6+ / MSRP: $17.99
Green Lantern Quickshot Game by Pressman Toy (May 2011)
Green Lantern stars Ryan Reynolds as the newest member of the of the intergalactic police force Green Lantern Corps—in theaters June 17, 2011 Green Lantern Quickshot Game is an action-packed game that allows kids to put their dexterity to the test as they load up their shooters with marbles and try to pop out the Green Lanterns.
For 2 players
Ages: 6+ MSRP under $19.99
Transformers Cine-Mask 3D Masks by Hasbro (May 2011)
TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON will be the first- ever TRANSFORMERS film in 3D — opens worldwide on July 1, 2011.
Hasbro is introducing OPTIMUS PRIME and BUMBLEBEE role play/ 3D masks.
Each mask is equipped with built in RealD 3D lenses that allow fans to watch any RealD 3D compatible movie! Each mask sold separately.
Ages 5+
MSRP: $9.99
The Smurfs Carnival by MEGA Bloks (Summer 2011)
The Smurfs in 3D will be in theaters August 3, 2011!
With the Smurf Buildable Carnival playset, kids can build and rebuild their very own Smuf-tastic Carnival however they want.
The set includes a ferris wheel that really turs with a hand-powered crank, a windmill that really spins with a twisting slide, and a combination of two buildable mushroom houses stacked one on top of the other!
Age: 4+
MSRP: $29.99
Paper Jamz Microphoneby Wow Wee (Fall 2011)
The new Paper Jamz microphone uses cutting-edge technology(Perfect Pitch) to deliver a unique and fun singing experience to your favorite songs.
Modes include perfect pitch which analyze and tunes singer’s pitch, solo/ duet, to sing with the artist or become the lead singer, as well as harmony and auto-vibrato. You can even change to chorus which multiplies singer’s vocals to add depth. Includes 2 built in hits and holds up to 3 songs at a time. Additional songs will be available on Paperjamz.com
Ages 8+
$29.99
